Pope Benedict XVI is up against three Welsh acts for best album in the Classical Brit Awards this year.

The pontiff will be competing alongside Britain's Got Talent star Faryl Smith and X Factor's Rhydian Roberts at the annual event in May.

He is being recognised for his album, Alma Mater - Music From The Vatican, a collection of litanies and chants in honour of the Virgin Mary as well as prayers and scripture readings with musical accompaniment.

Also up for the gong is Harmony - the second disc from The Priests.

The London event will be hosted by Myleene Klass and will feature a performance by lifetime achievement recipient Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.